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Old Forester 100 Proof vs Barrell Foundation Bourbon
On paper Old Forester 100 Proof and Barrell Foundation Bourbon are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$26 – $32 vs. ~$50 – $60) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Barrell Foundation Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $32 ~$26 less | ~$50 – $60 |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon).